Located less than an hour from central Istanbul, these small islands in the Sea of Marmara feel worlds apart. Known as Adalar (The Islands), they are among the city's most popular tourist spots. Life here moves at a leisurely pace, with horse-drawn carriages setting the rhythm, while charming wooden houses, pine forests, and fresh air create a peaceful, rural atmosphere. While consisting of a cluster of 9 islands, Heybeliada and Büyükada are particularly great bases for exploring the area. Here are the details for those who want to visit the islands 👇
An Insider’s Guide to Exploring the Princes' Islands
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On a summer’s day, the nine Princes' Islands appear to float in the Sea of Marmara, just off the Anatolian coast.
Ferries and boats bring crowds of day-trippers from Istanbul, filling the islands' beaches and fish restaurants. Büyükada, the largest island, comes alive at night with lively teenagers in the main square, while the historic landmarks host the elderly who enjoy chatting with complimentary traditional tea.
The Princes' Islands weren't always a holiday retreat.
To the early Byzantines, they were known as the Demonnesoi, or Demons Islands, possibly reflecting ancient fears of mysterious, bewitched islands, as seen in literature like The Odyssey. More practically, the 'demons' may have been the dangers posed by Marmara’s fierce autumn storms and the treacherous shoals, including three phantom islands that only appear at low tide. These islands, feared by sailors, also had an eerie ability to vanish from view in winter sea-fog, making them seem almost mythical to those in the city.
First step: how to get there?
Ferries to the islands leave from Kabataş, Kadıköy, Eminönü, and, on the Asian side, Bostançı. Check the list of times and fares provided by the municipality on their office web page. Make sure to obtain an Istanbul Kart beforehand.
Big question: how to get around?
Exploring the islands is a delightful experience. You can rent a bicycle (just double-check the brakes) or hop into a horse-drawn phaeton and relax to the soothing sound of hoofbeats. Prices are may vary but you can rest assured as all drivers are required to carry a fare card with them.
Büyükada
Büyükada is the largest and most impressive of the Princes' Islands, perfect for exploring if you only have time to visit one. Enjoy a seaside fish lunch and take a relaxing phaeton ride to unwind. The island’s beautiful architecture includes Sivastopol Köşkü, the villa where Trotsky lived in exile for over three years starting in 1929, during which he wrote his autobiography.
Heybeliada
Heybeliada, the second-largest of the Princes' Islands, offers beautiful walking trails and peaceful retreats, along with a naval academy that adds character to the island. While phaetons are available, even the longest walks can be comfortably done on foot.
Burgazada
Burgaz boasts a single steep hill with stunning views from the summit. The island has a charming, almost Far Eastern ambiance when seen from Heybeliada, with the tiny Kaşık Adası in between.
Kınalıada
Though Kınalıada, the Henna-colored Island, may seem densely developed, it also has a more secluded side. The south-facing beach offers a refreshing escape, where the winds are sure to clear even the most lingering worries.
Yassıada
Once the retreat of a party-loving ambassador, this small, uninhabited island was only recently vacated by the military and is now awaiting future developments.
What to do while visiting?
The Princes' Islands offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of Istanbul, with plenty to do across the different islands. Visitors can take a leisurely bike ride or a horse-drawn phaeton through pine-scented streets, explore charming wooden houses, and admire beautiful architecture, like Trotsky's former villa on Büyükada. Relax at seaside cafes with fresh seafood, hike up Burgaz’s hill for panoramic views, or unwind on Kınalıada’s south-facing beach. For history enthusiasts, the naval academy on Heybeliada adds a unique cultural touch, while the islands' serene atmosphere makes them perfect for simply strolling or enjoying nature.